More Power to You!

Activity Source: U.S. Geological Survey

 

Grade Levels: 7-10

Background

Energy and access to it is the bedrock of the modern world, powering everything from industries and cities to your school and home. Have you ever wondered where the energy that powers your school comes from? Or where Earth’s natural energy materials, such as coal and uranium, originate? In this activity, you will explore an interactive map to identify energy resources, energy infrastructure, and the connections between them.

Materials

  • Computer with internet access

Procedure

  1. Go to the U.S. Energy Atlas Energy Infrastructure and Resources.
    • To the right of the map, click the second button down to explore the map’s legend.
    • Click on the button below the legend icon to display map layers. To the right of each item is an “eye” icon that turns layers on and off. Turn off all layers.
  2. Coal is a readily combustible, carbon￾based sedimentary rock that can be used to generate electricity and release heat.
    • Turn on layers: “All Coal Mines” and “Fossil Resources”. In ”Fossil Resources,” turn off the “Tight Oil and Shale Gas Plays” and “Sedimentary Basin” sublayers.
    • Read the legend to see what each color and symbol represents. Write 2–3 observations of the distribution of coal and mine locations in the U.S.
    • Turn off all layers.
  3. Uranium is a radioactive element found in igneous and sedimentary rocks and is a common fuel source for nuclear power plants.Turn on layers: “Uranium Production” and “Uranium Resources”.
    • Read the legend then write 2–3 observations on the distribution and use of uranium in the U.S.
    • Turn off all layers.
  4. Power plants can convert Earth’s natural energy materials, such as coal and uranium, to electricity and energy for our modern world.
    • Click on the magnifying glass on the upper left of the map and type your school’s address.
    • In the layer list, turn on “All Power Plants”.
    • Zoom out until you see power plants near your school. Double-click each icon to identify the “primary source” of energy at each power plant. Write 2–3 observations about the power plants that may provide energy to your school.

Analysis

  1. Just because a power plant is nearby doesn’t mean it necessarily provides energy to your school. Do you know what type of energy powers your school? If not, reach out to your building facilities team to learn more.
  2. Zoom out to explore the types of energy used by the U.S. by looking at the “All Power Plants” layer. You may want to look at each sublayer one at a time.
    • Where do you find different types of energy in our country?
    • What factors do you think influence the distribution of each energy source?
    • What infrastructure exists to transport energy?

Further Steps

Explore other energy resources such as natural gas or solar energy. Consider how energy needs for the U.S. might change over the next 10 years. If you were to decide, which types of energy would you want to see used and why?

NGSS Connections

  • SEP: Analyzing and Interpreting Data
  • DCI: ESS3.A: Natural Resources
  • CCC: Patterns

SDG Connections